This was because they were both still in a dating mood, Andrzej immediately explained to himself. They were both nicely dressed, at a performance, at dinner, and on a walk that they now continued. A walk through the almost completely empty streets of this big, noisy city. These were just remnants of the mood that had formed while they were with the girls and hadn't quite faded away yet. There was absolutely nothing else to be found here. And Dominik's compliment? After all, Nowicki knew what a young actor was like. Surely he just wanted to cheer up a discouraged friend who was disappointed by a failed date.
After all, with someone like Dominik Śliwiński, about ninety-nine percent of the male population of the world looked pale. Probably after the decimal it would be fine to add two nines too. Dominik was simply unrivaled.
"Let's not lie to ourselves" Andrzej smiled vaguely. "When it comes to appearance, money and fame, it's hard to compete with you."
"It is true that you are not so famous and you do not have as much money as I do, but your look is flawless. You have very nice, noble features, but unlike me, a very masculine appearance. I really think you are attractive ... I mean, you have all the necessary conditions ..."
Andrzej felt embarrassed. Does the guy say such compliments to the guy? But he was starting to fart the rainbow himself, so he couldn't really blame Dominik.
But it's not like that. that Dominik really finds him attractive? Could this beautiful man envy his height and more masculine features? Impossible!
"Er ... thanks" Nowicki thanked confused.
"I didn't want to embarrass you," added Śliwiński quickly. "I just think that Ewelina ... is a bit empty. Sorry, I shouldn't be saying that, I don't know her at all, but that's my impression."
"I think she is," Nowicki admitted resignedly. "Not that I was interested in her personality ..."
"So you don't really care about her?"
"Yesterday I thought maybe I could try with her. After all, love at first sight only happens in fairy tales. I thought that we would spend time together, get to know each other better and maybe something will come of it. Marta mentioned that Ewelina liked me, so I thought I would give myself a chance. Nothing more."
In fact, it was even less, but somehow he didn't want to admit it to Dominik.
In fact, Andrzej was all about sex.
He hadn't been with any woman for too long, and he needed this type of close-up. He could hold out for several months in abstinence, but he was not a chastity priest, so he did not mind an adventure from time to time. He chose Ewelina because Marta said she liked him and she was within reach. He didn't have to look for her. He thought that two or three nice meetings, a romantic atmosphere and the girl would want to sleep with him herself. He felt disappointed that none of it would work, because she was very attractive, but he was far from despairing about it. He will always be able to relieve himself.
Dominik was walking strangely quiet and Andrzej looked at him worried.
"Way are you so silent?"
"I'm thinking about what you just said. You really think so?"
"About what I said?" Nowicki asked, trying to remember, because his mind wandered into the realms of sex.
"About first love. That you don't believe in her", explained Śliwiński.
"Oh, that. Yes. In fact, I don't think I believe in love at all.
"You've never really been in love?" Dominik asked shyly, looking up at Andrzej. He was clearly curious, but he didn't seem to want to be tactless.
"Never" photographer admited.
"And you didn't want to be?"
"Not that man has a choice in this matter."
"But if you could" Dominik insisted.
"Maybe, someday," Andrzej laughed nervously. "When I was ten years younger, I probably wanted to fall in love. Somehow it didn't work out."
"What do you think she should be ... the one…?"
"The one?"
"Yes."
"Hmm, difficult question" Andrzej pondered. "She must be pretty to start with. Not according to the usual canons of beauty, she may have a crooked nose, even squint, as long as the whole thing fits pleasantly to my eye."
"And if she's beautiful for everyone?"
"Then I would probably be afraid that she would not be only mine. Besides, a sex bomb like this probably has a difficult personality, and a woman should be nice to me."
"Nice?"
"I like strong women, but as friends. My chosen one should be nice and gentle so that she will not push me away when I want to cuddle her in my arms. Such a fragile little princess."
"So you're the romantic type."
"Probably so. It's hard not to be one when you work in this profession."
A soft chuckle reached Nowicki's ears.
"Why are you laughing at me?" he asked angrily. "Who said that guy can not be romantic?"
"Nobody, I absolutely didn't mean it, just ... Ever since I met you, you seem to me like a knight in shining armor. The way you rushed to help me… I will never forget it. It was very chivalrous."
"You're exaggerating."
"No!" Śliwiński assured him hotly. "You are chivalrous, really, and I guess like a real prince on a white horse you really like a little princess," he added softly, resignedly.
It is true that Andrzej did not consider himself a brave knight, let alone a prince from some fairy tale, but was it wrong to dream of a delicate partner who needed his support? After all, not every woman in the world had to be strong and independent like Paulina or Marta. And not every one was. Lots of women were delicate and fragile. Ewelina, for example, was his type, if not for the fact that she wanted to jump into another man's arms so easily. Perhaps he should add that his ideal type is also that she should be loyal and constant in feelings?
But it was a simple, meaningless conversation that was held solely to pass the time they had until the train left. So in such a light, natural tone he asked:
"Do you have your ideal?
"No, not really," Dominik replied rather evasively, and immediately changed the subject. "It's really nice September. I hope the whole fall will be similar."
"Yes" admitted Nowicki accepting the change of subject for the fact "me too."